An emerald expanse in the thriving, concrete jungle that is New York City, Central Park lies in the heartland of the Manhattan borough. It commences its labyrinthine stretch from Midtown, all the way to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who envisioned a sprawling green space in the center of the island. The park spans 843 acres (341.15 hectares) and bustles with life throughout the day, even as the layered, multi-hued fold of the city's skyline unfolds at its hem. The park's 21 playgrounds are speckled with ornate fountains, sculptures, myriad bridges and arches, together forming an urbane respite where several come to find peace from the city's chaotic pace. Attractions within the park include the Bethesda Fountain, the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle and Central Park Zoo.
The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts is a massive venue when it comes to live entertainment. The Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors has something for everyone: internationally recognized dances, high-level performances, special events and jazz. Watch out for Live From Lincoln Center, a program that has famous orchestras and artistes performing. Lincoln Center holds about 400 live performances a year, ranging from classical to modern productions. And as if that wasn't enough, the Center also hosts many events put on by the Film Society at Lincoln Center. There are guided tours on a daily basis that explore the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House, Avery Fisher Hall, the New York State Theater (home of the New York City Opera) and the Vivian Beaumont Theater. During the tour, your guides will entertain you with fascinating stories and give you a glimpse of a rehearsal in progress.
The High Line is an urban oasis filled with beautifully manicured landscapes. It sits above the city on old train tracks that were installed as part of the West Side Improvement Project back in 1929. The line was primarily used to transport goods along the Lower West Side, but with the advent of vehicles in the 1950s and more accessible routes elsewhere, the last train eventually ran in 1980. Thereafter, the elevated tracks fell into disrepair, and the whole structure was nearly demolished. It was instead converted into an innovative public park, delighting locals and visitors alike. Today, the High Line is a cherished sanctuary away from the bustle of city life.
The Apollo Theater is a distinguished and legendary landmark in Harlem. Originally it was a burlesque hall for an all-white audience when it opened its doors in 1914, but by the 1930s it became home to legendary jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. The theater has been restored, and every Wednesday at 7:30p the stage is opened to amateurs; when heckling is not just common, but expected. There are also musical performances held on other nights. Admission varies. Call for details.
Home to the legendary dance company The Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall is one of the most spectacular and famous performance venues in the United States. Its locale in the heart of the Big Apple has made it a cultural center, particularly during the Christmas season. Originally opened in 1932 and nicknamed "The Palace for the People," Radio City was renovated in 1980. Anybody who is anybody has performed here - New York legends Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis, Jr. are just a few that spring to mind, and to this day, the stage remains a showcase for entertainment royalty.
Tucked away in the town of Warwick, the Warwick Valley Winery is an ideal place to learn about wines and enjoy them too. Opened in 1989, it specializes in exotic fruit wines and liqueurs. Varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir are available here; however its Doc’s Draft Hard Apple Cider walks away with all the praises. Its tasting room offers you an opportunity to savor different wines and libations; the bartenders here will patiently guide you through your whites and reds. Fresh and tasty short eats like pizzas, sandwiches, salads served at the on-site cafe are an added bonus. Apart from that, the Warwick Valley Winery also hosts music and wine festivals that are well-attended. Good food, great wine and lovely music... certainly a paradise worth visiting!
Having the capacity to hold about 180 people, Elebash Recital Hall is located in the City University of New York Graduate Center. An ideal place for holding cultural events like student concerts and other formal presentations, this venue is quiet spacious. Fully equipped with audio and visual equipments, this hall hosts several special events annually. Catering primarily to cultural events, the hall is commonly known as a culture complex.
Located off New York State Thruway, Common Ground Coffeehouse is a popular venue for music concerts. In addition to hosting concerts in this cozy performance venue, they also host concerts in other locations like Irvington Theater in New York. This cozy venue is a great place to visit for music lovers.
A historic women’s club located in Bronxville, New York, it was built in the year 1928. It is a Colonial Revival style building designed by a notable local architect of that time. It is a brick concrete structure with white exteriors, in a T-shaped format. The center pavilion is flanked by two smaller ones on both sides, all of which have slanting gable roofs with extended windows and chimneys on the roof. Currently, the ground floor is occupied as an auditorium.
Eberhardt Hall is one of the oldest buildings on the New Jersey Institute of Technology campus. This mansion-like structure is a rare example of Gothic Victorian architecture in Newark. Some of the most evident features include the lavish staircase, gaslight fixtures and Victorian furnishings. This building is well-equipped with modern amenities, and its detailed architecture makes it a stand out.